The 2011 Kia Optima was unveiled in NY and the aggressive looking sedan will be the most powerful in the D-segment.

That is because the 2011 Kia Optima is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that packs 278 PS. Other powerpant options available for the 2011 Kia Optima will include a 2.0-litre CVVL petrol and a 1.7-litre VGT turbo diesel while an additional 2.4-litre MPI petrol will be offered in Russia and the markets in Eastern Europe.

On the rest of the world's markets the 2011 Kia Optima will be sold fitted with either a 165 PS 2.0-litre MPI, a 178 PS 2.4-litre MPI or a 203 PS 2.4-litre GDI and later on in 2011 the automaker promises to offer a hybrid powertrain also.

Kia Motors Corporation is celebrating the world premiere of itsall-new Optima D-segment saloon at the New York International Auto Showtoday.

Arriving in Kia showrooms across the UK in 2011, the Optimacontinues Kia’s design-led transformation, while revealing a completelynew and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a dynamic andstreamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence fromevery angle. Kia’s new saloon will be called ‘K5’ in Korea and‘Optima‘ in all other markets.

Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine,California, the all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than theMagentis it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform thatallows for distinctive dimensions and proportions, while also providinga unique canvas for Kia’s global design team to pen a vehicle thatstands apart from everything else in its segment.

“The Optima is a new strand in Kia’s evolving design DNA with ablend of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapesthat draw the attention of the eye in much the same fashion as aperfectly-tailored fine Italian suit,” commented Peter Schreyer, ChiefDesign Officer, Kia Motors Corporation.

The all-new Optima’s smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and styleand offer a strong hint of European-style luxury. Optima’sgroundbreaking spirit will continue under the bonnet with theintroduction of new powertrains, which deliver class-leading power withhighly competitive fuel economy – and employ engine management systemssuch as direct injection, multi-point injection and turbo charging tohelp bring performance to the brand without sacrificing fuelefficiency. Kia’s first-ever hybrid car, a new version of Optima, forthe North American market, will be available in 2011.

Sleek and Streamlined ExteriorThe all-newOptima projects a high-performance yet elegant image with its uniquesilhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors’ philosophy ofcreating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. Thestriking face of Optima features Kia’s bold signature grille that isflanked by projector headlamps.

Optima’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arcthat flows from the A- to the C-pillars, a distinctive design motifthat visually lowers the car further and enhances its proportions. Optima’s roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder linethat leads to its sculpted flanks and the extended (2795 mm)wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a steeply sloping rearwindow create a saloon with a graceful muscular stance.

The all-new Optima will offer numerous standard exterior featuresincluding dual exhausts, solar glass and indicators on the wingmirrors. Depending on the trim level, fog lights, heated exteriormirrors, exterior chrome or body-colour door handles along with 17-inchalloy wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres will also be available.

Luxuriously Equipped InteriorInside, all-newOptima creates an immediate sense that this is a driver’s car. Theinstrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpitfeel, with precise gauges and controls for an overall sportyperformance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel (standard on automaticversions outside North America) convey that Optima is built for peoplewho are passionate about driving their cars. A high console with ashort shifter adds to the cockpit ambience, while an optional glasspanoramic sunroof will provide an open-air feeling.

Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standardconvenience features, the saloon’s chic cabin unifies with the exteriordesign by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seatdesign. Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver’sseat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a tripcomputer will further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technologyfeatures will also come standard throughout, including a high quality‘Dimension’ audio system with AM/FM/CD and MP3 compatibility with eightspeakers. Auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3players and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voiceactivation controls will feature, according to the market.

Available upgrades will also include a powered panoramic sunroof,leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel foradditional interior refinement.For Europe and North America, avoice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch screen, willcombine with the audio system functions to enhance the cabin foraudiophiles or those who seek the latest superior quality technologyfor a modern driving experience.

Optima employs unitary construction with sub-frames to support thefully independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson strutsare used in the front with a multi-link layout at the rear, withseparate coil springs and shock absorbers at the rear, and a frontanti-roll bar to ensure responsive handling and provide excellent ridecomfort.

Class-Leading Efficient and Powerful Engines For Western Europe, the new Optima will be available with a choice of2.0-litre CVVL petrol and 1.7-litre VGT turbo-diesel engines. InRussia and some Eastern European markets it will be offered with a2.4-litre MPI petrol engine producing 178 ps. All transmissions forthe new Optima, both manual and automatic, will have six speeds. Outside Europe, Optima will be available with six all-new Theta IIfamily engines (depending on market), with Kia’s first application ofGDI technology and up to 278 ps of power.

Safety-Minded In line with Kia’s safetyengineering philosophy, the all-new Optima will have a high level ofsafety features as standard. Equipment includes six airbags (dualfront airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags and full-length sidecurtain airbags), front active headrests, side-impact door beams,height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and forcelimiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, LowerAnchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and, available in both Europeand North America, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Safetydriving systems on the Optima will include anti-lock brakes (ABS),Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS),Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) - depending onmarket.

Optima will replace Magentis in the UK when it launches in 2011. The introduction of this sleek new saloon signals a significant stepforward in design and equipment levels for the Kia brand in the UK. Exact trim, equipment and pricing will be announced closer to thelaunch.